Report casts doubt on UK pledge to prevent low-quality food imports

Ministers have refused to sign safeguards, potentially spelling disaster for farmers after Brexit

Ministers' pledges to preserve the UK's food and farming standards after Brexit will not prevent the import of lower-standard products and could spell potential disaster for Britain's farmers, a report has found.

The government has repeatedly promised that a ban on chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef would remain in place after Brexit, and has made changes to the way future trade bills will be scrutinised. But ministers have refused to sign safeguards on imported food into law, despite pressure from consumers and civil society groups.